Let HIV-Negative People Decide Their Own Prevention!

By Aaron LaxtonFrom TheBody.com

April 17, 2014

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a proven concept. Regardless of whether opponents want to admit it or not, "bio-medical prevention" IS the key to reducing new-HIV infections in the highest-risk groups where previous risk-reductions methods have failed. Today, thanks to new research and science, we have a new method that can help those who are at the highest risk. We do not need more data; we do not need more trials to look at efficacy and safety ... PrEP is already a PROVEN concept. Anyone who says otherwise either doesn't know how to read data, is pushing their own agenda, or they are simply regurgitating the views of other people who have no clear understanding of the topic.

It is really interesting that those who are screaming the loudest in opposition of PrEP are people who could have benefitted the most from its use, had it been in existence. These same HIV-positive men say that condoms are easy to use and so effective. Then why are you HIV-positive dude? Immaculate infection?

I'm not laying blame, what I am saying is take a moment to step down off your moral-horse and contribute to an actual resolution rather than perpetuating a flawed strategy of "condoms-only." If condoms alone could end HIV then it would be over by now. Condom use, although it has been beat into our heads, seems to be an example of "Do as I say, not as I do." Since when does being an HIV-positive gay man give us authority over those who are negative and the things that can keep them healthy?

Advertisement

At a certain point, HIV-positive men who feel it necessary to dictate the availability of PrEP as a tool to those who are negative need to simply stop. If you are an HIV-positive man railing against PrEP, you are no different than men attempting to dictate the sexual and reproductive health of women. What is even more disturbing is that some opponents of PrEP pervert a once-authentic argument regarding efficacy and safety. And when presented with data to address this they choose to dismiss it.

Our community fought in the streets, stormed the FDA and forever changed how drugs are studied and made available to those that need them. Is the message now going to be, we will only advocate when the medications save our lives, however we won't fight on behalf of prevention? HIV-negative individuals have a right to have access to medications that can assist them with staying negative. If you are HIV-positive and an opponent of PrEP, consider how you would react if someone was attempting to block/impede/stop/derail a drug that could keep you healthy. Now realize that in your opposition you have become that person. Congratulations!

(Please note: Your name and comment will be public, and may even show up in Internet search results. Be careful when providing personal information! Beforeadding your comment, please read TheBody.com's Comment Policy.)

I am simply a guy who on June 6, 2011, received the news that over 33 million people have received: I am HIV positive. I decided in that split moment to record the journey that I was embarking on so that I might help others as they receive that news.

I am not a doctor and I do not endorse any agenda other than simply living a healthy life. I am an activist and advocate and simply want to make the world a better place. I hold a degree in sociology and psychology. I am a product of the Missouri Foster System and this is one of my main passions, second only to the work I do with HIV/AIDS outreach and prevention.

I embrace a sex-positive model. People are going to have sex; it is a natural part of who we are. However we need to make sure that it is safe. I can be found on weekends throughout St. Louis, Missouri, passing out condoms and safe-sex kits.

Whether in St. Louis, D.C. or around the nation, I always jump at the chance to help change not only policies to better serve those that need help but to also change the landscape of the society that we live in.

The Body is a service of Remedy Health Media, LLC, 750 3rd Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Remedy Health Media, LLC, and its subsidiaries, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your health care provider.